Fireplace Mortar

[farfromthewallflower]

I am a new home-moaner and have recently noticed an increased amount of mortar dust around my fireplace. I can see through the crack to the outside. So i wiped up the dust, went about my way. The next day, the mortar dust was there again! What critter could be doing this, how do i get rid of it, and how do i fix my cracks???

[HayZee518]

mortar

I guess the only way would be to get up there with a hammer and chisel and remove the flaking mortar, then make up some sakrete mortar mix and pack it in the joint. use a caulking iron to smooth the joint.